Linen and cotton, which is better?

At Illustre Paris, we love natural and vegetal materials, which is why you will find a wide selection of linen and cotton products, such as table linen, cushions, toilet bags and tote bags.

Linen and cotton have some things in common but also differ in certain aspects. So, linen or cotton, how do you choose? We tell you all about the advantages of these two essential materials.

The benefits of flax

As we mentioned in the article on material focus, linen is a natural material that we like a lot and that has many qualities.

• Eco-responsible: its cultivation does not require water, pesticides or solvents after harvesting. This makes it a good material for the planet, recyclable, biodegradable and zero waste.
• Resistant: It is indeed the strongest material in the world. It is durable, so you can keep it for years!
• Breathable, light and thermo-regulating: Linen is interesting because it has the ability to keep warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Hypoallergenic: Linen even has properties that reduce the appearance of germs. It is truly the ally of sensitive skin.

Our "Adalie" placemat in linen made in France.

The advantages of cotton 

 As a reminder, cotton is a fluffy ball that surrounds the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub native to India that grows in warm countries. Cotton is a natural treasure that belongs to the category of natural materials, just like linen. It is the most widely used textile fibre in the world today, and it is easy to see why, given its many advantages.

 These are

• Accessible and resistant: Cotton is a natural material that is accessible to all, it can be found everywhere! Although it is a little less accessible than linen, it is also very resistant due to the interweaving of its fibres.
• Soft: Cotton is also known for its softness, even over time and after many washes, so it is very suitable for sensitive skin. It is pleasant to the touch and keeps its freshness. It is healthy and not very allergenic.
• Absorbent but also breathable: This is why it is used particularly in terry towels, bathrobes and household linen. In addition, cotton allows the skin to breathe and wick away perspiration if necessary.
• Insulating and high temperature resistant: Cotton can retain heat. It can also be washed at very high temperatures and in some cases even boiled. Cotton can also be ironed with a very hot iron.
• It is suitable for dyeing and printing: Its fabric absorbs dye particularly well and reproduces colours correctly. It is also easy to print because the inks penetrate deep into its fibres.

You now know the strong points of linen and cotton. It's not easy to decide between them, but if after that you still can't, you should know that at Illustre Paris we offer fine linen and cotton napkins, delicately edged with cotton tulle. That way, no jealousy!